Games from Long Ago

Historic Communities

by Bobbie Kalman, Barbara Bedell (Illustrator)

Many unusual as well as familiar games from the 19th century are gathered together in Games from Long Ago. An important tool in teaching children how to behave in society, games were often educational and played a role in teaching morality such as the board game "Errand Boy" which taught the value of hard work. Games featured - parlor games, word games, guessing games, and classroom games - games of skill such as ring-taw, shuttlecock, and shinny - board games such as checkers and backgammon

Genres: History, Childrens, Picture Books, Games, Nonfiction

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Bobbie Kalman is the award-winning author of more than 400 non-fiction books. She established herself as a leading author in children’s non-fiction in the 1980’s and 90’s with two acclaimed series about pioneer life, The Early Settler Life Series (15 titles) and The Historic Communities Series (31 titles), both published by Crabtree Publishing. She has created many of Crabtree’s most popular series, which also include The Native Nations of North America Series (19 titles), The Lands, Peoples, and Cultures Series (93 titles), and The Science of Living Things Series (32 titles), among others.

Born in Hungary in 1947, Bobbie and her family escaped to Austria during the Hungarian Revolution in 1956. The family spent several weeks there as refugees before immigrating to North America. A former teacher, Bobbie Kalman taught at both the elementary and secondary levels. She also spent several years working as an educational consultant for several publishing companies. Bobbie holds degrees in English, Psychology, and Education. She is married and has four children and three grandchildren.

Although best known for her non-fiction, Bobbie’s newest book is autobiographical. Released in September, 2006, Refugee Child is the account of Bobbie and her family’s escape from Hungary when she was just nine years old. Written to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution in October of 2006, the book is told from the perspective of a young girl.

Reviews

[Adele · Rating 2 out of 5]

Might be good for kids interested in old-fashioned games, but I believe even kids would have already heard about most of this. There was very little I didn't already know. I also expected more detailed rules. Some of the games could be played based on the information provided in this book, but only the simplest ones. The book doesn't even provide the rules for "Old Maid".

[Kristin Holbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives a quick over view of the different types of games children played to entertain themselves years ago. Some games you will recognize as ones kids still play today. Many others you won't. I got some ideas for games to play with my kids from this. A nice book.